Having frequented Western Europe in the past, I thought it was about time I explore Eastern Europe. This time around, I resisted the urge to plan or do any photo research and I’m so glad I did because at every turn, I was caught by surprise with the amount of beauty both places hold.
Dubrovnik
For this UNESCO World Heritage Site, I felt like I stepped back in time to the Middle Ages. The town is basically a massive museum with its giant walls and wealth of history dating back to the 7th century.
The city is comprised of massive stonewalls low and high and walking along the top of the walls was the highlight of my visit to Dubrovnik. You can easily spend an entire day doing so. There’s truly nothing in the world like it.
To begin the walk, I recommend starting at Pile Gate entry point. From here, you can purchase tickets at the designated area and you’ll be on your way in no time. The entire walk takes about 2 hours and the cost per adult ticket is around around 120 HRK ($18 USD).
The incredible walls are 3 to 19 feet thick and 6,200 feet long.
By the way, if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, Dubrovnik is the setting for the show. Explore the walls until you recognize King’s Landing for a gorgeous photo op.
One of my favorite sites in Dubrovnik is Onofrio Fountain, built in the 14th century as a part of the water supply. It photographs incredibly when you’re high above it standing on the city’s wall so don’t forget to look down!
Rector’s Palace stands as a museum today with its gorgeous arches and baroque paintings throughout.
Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe is a restaurant, cafe, souvenir shop, and currency exchange all in one and it just so happens to have the perfect view of the sea and walls and it also located right next to Pile Gate, one of the entry points into the city walls. #dametravelerfoodie
Dubrovnik just brims with beauty. *sigh*
Kotor, Montenegro
The Port of Kotor is by far the prettiest port I’ve ever seen. We sailed right past the The Floating Church of Montenegro and after docking, we were surrounded by the most gorgeous mountain peaks and fjords towering over us in the heart of the Old City of Kotor.
Medieval Kotor is indeed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for good reason. It is incredibly preserved and breathtaking. I recommend wandering through the narrow passageways to visit some incredible churches and museums before hiking up the various pathways for even more breathtaking views.
Budva
A 2500 year old town and home to magnificent churches, St. John, St. Mary Holy Trinity and St. Sava.
It also has quite the party scene for all of the party goers out there.
Sveti Stefan
Located less than an hour outside of Kotor is the gorgeous island of Sveti Stefan is a small private island and hotel resort on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro. It’s also home to one of the most luxurious hotel chains in the world, Aman Resorts.
Cycle through Boka Bay
A 17 mile journey to Boka Bay will whisk you through the quaint fishing villages and incredible stretches of coastline.
Our Lady of the Rocks
Built in 1630, you can take a little local boat to get to this this incredible floating church in Boka Bay where you will get to witness its impressive marble altar and museum.
